Bohemian sand & skies styled shoot at Walberswick Beach
by Amae- SUFFOLK Wedding plannerS
With Covid playing havoc with the wedding industry, a team of us were desperate to get out there and put together the most wonderful dreamy boho beach shoot. The look was inspired by our local beach at Walberswick which offers the most stunning backdrop. We knew the only person who could make this vision come to life was the unbelievably talented Sharon Cudworth who adores shooting at this favourite location of hers.
The initial concept of this shoot was thought of by the fabulous Emily Chantal Make-up artist so she and I had meeting after meeting to discuss how we wanted this vision to come to life and how I would coordinate and plan the shoot.
Fast forward to the most beautiful sunny day in Suffolk, we had an hilarious time trying to erect the changing tent for our model (it’s not all glamour and 5 star hotels I’m afraid). Our model Charlotte is also owner of Hair So Boho and when it came to styling, Charlotte really ran with the theme brilliantly, she kept the waves natural looking with plenty of texture for that beachy, salty, defined style then teamed it with tiny braids scattered throughout to give it a real chic look. At the back, a small bun was created for a half up half down effortless feel which was perfectly topped off with an epic crown (Aerin) from Beverleys timeless range from PS With Love . The headpiece is a gorgeous organic design with luxurious Keishi pearl blooms all handwired with pretty nude crystal centers surrounded by an abundance of delicate freshwater pearls, tiny pearls & crystal tendrils. To complete this look, Charlotte wore matching Aerin hoop earrings - perfect for any beach, woodland or outdoor wedding, offering the epitome of organic bridal elegance.
Given the inspiration from the 80’s vibe with the dresses (cue Chris Isaak music Video ‘Wicked Game’), Emily Chantal Make-up with her amazing eye for details opted for a glitter bronze eye and dewy peach toned cheeks and lips to keep it fresh and modern. Emily’s key products were Huda Beauty Matte & Metal liquid eyeshadows and the Dior Backstage Lip Palette.
Bud & Boe provided 2 cutting edge dresses from the new Eco Poem collection by world leading Haute Couture Fashion Designer Bowen Dryden. We were so lucky to be the first professional styled shoot to feature these dresses, they fit our theme perfectly. The first dress a classic twist on a two-piece incorporating a beautiful frilled rise in the front of the skirt. Bowen Dryden offer fully customised organic, biodegradable, ethical dresses that can be worn time and time again!
Dress number 2 a stunning number (Moondance), one-piece, sophisticated off the shoulder which oozes bohemian chic. Bud & Boe arranged for this particular piece to be altered by taking in the mid-section, the original is a lot more ‘flowy’ but this design is absolutely timeless.
Teresa (Simply Rustic) provided some stunning additions for the shoot with her hexagon shaped ‘archway’, beautifully decorated with a macrame backdrop & dreamcatchers. The peacock chairs were simply perfect to complete the look and I cannot think of a better location than on the beach for these gorgeous items.
Naomi from the fabulous Rose & Berry Flowers set up the archway flowers and bouquet which complimented the look beautifully, pampas grass was a popular household accessory in the 80’s (although maybe not at classy as it is these days) but I’m so happy it’s making a comeback. For the displays, Naomi used a selection of dried flowers which included pampas grass and bunny tails with other feathery & bleached neutral foliage’s which worked alongside the creamy, almost sandy colour hues of the fresh ‘Quicksand’ Roses… so dreamy!
When I set about thinking about the cake for this shoot, there was one person who sprung to mind immediately, Charlotte from The Beautiful Cakery. I briefed Charlotte on the look I wanted to achieve and my word, she did not disappoint. To create this breathtaking cake, Charlotte went for a soft subtle look but added depth with the exquisite dried blooms.
Next came the table decor, I designed and styled this myself with most of the items purchased from a charity shop - for anyone who knows me, I donate to charities every month and so this was the perfect opportunity to get creative whilst donating at the same time! I wanted to go with a plain yet simple and romantic sweetheart setting which was finished off with the unmistakable design skills from talented Gemma at Polly Pickle Stationery & Design. Gemma provided accessories from her modern boho dreamy collection; featuring soft watercolour florals, grasses and pampas grass, all in beautiful tan and neutral tones.
As the sun set we decided to have lots of fun in the water and Charlotte totally embraced it, such the perfect model! Of course, we’re not ones to get designer dresses wet so out popped a cheeky little number Emily had purchased previously. Add a hat and voila!
After the most perfect day it was time to pack up and head home, whilst we wait to hear more news on government guidelines for wedding ceremonies, this shoot helped to curb our passion for doing what we love in such a restricted year.
Thank you to the most amazing team for making this bohemian dream come true.
Keep an eye out on our social media pages for even more pictures or contact Hayley for more information.